Kevin MacNeil

Kevin MacNeil is a novelist, screenwriter, poet, lyricist and editor from the Outer Hebrides, now resident in London. He has won a number of literary awards and taught at the universities of Uppsala, Edinburgh and Kingston among others. His latest novel is The Brilliant & Forever. More at: KevinMacNeil.com

On a large bed, beside her, making conversation about this and that. Outside the bedroom window, the rain was falling. The crinum blossom must be withering and rotting under such rain.
As ever, her face shone with moonlight. But, to tell the truth, it was almost a little boring sometimes, chatting with her.
Lying on his stomach, quietly lighting a cigarette, it occurred to him they had been together for seven years already.
‘Do I still love this woman?’
Self-aware though he always was, the answer startled him.
‘Yes. I love her still.’

Akutagawa
the light of the moon
sends a shiver through me
Akutagawa
the blossom on the cherry tree
sends a shiver through me

Her face shone like the morning sun on thin ice. He was fond of her. But it wasn’t love. He never as much as laid a finger on her body.
‘You’re trying to die, aren’t you?’
‘Yes. No. I’m not trying to die. But I’m tired of being alive.’
Out of this conversation came an agreement; they were going to die together.
‘It will be Platonic suicide.’
‘Double Platonic suicide.’
Even to himself, his calmness was marvellous.

Akutagawa
the light of the moon
sends a shiver through me
Akutagawa
the blossom on the cherry tree
sends a shiver through me